BECOMING A TEACHER NATION GUIDE: Scotland 2021/2022
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BECOMING A TEACHER
NATION GUIDE:
Scotland 2021/2022
Page 1
This guide has been produced by Careers and Employability Services and
the Business and Online Student Support of The Open University.
The University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to
ensure accuracy, changes in regulations or in policy means you should not
solely rely on the information in this guide. Please make sure you check all
information carefully and regularly before making any final decisions.
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Page 2
Contents
1. Introduction: Considering teaching as a career 4
What makes a good teacher? 4
Work experience will help you decide 5
What age range do you want to teach? 5
Availability of teaching posts & training places 6
2. Where to start 8
What are the entry requirements for a career in teaching? 9
3. Skills and experience 11
Getting work experience 11
Getting paid experience 13
4. Training to teach in Scotland 14
Early Years & Childcare 15
Primary teaching 16
Secondary teaching 17
Further education teaching 19
Higher education lecturing & research 20
OU Associate Lecturer 20
5. Specialisms in teaching and other education-related careers 22
Teaching English as a Foreign Language 22
Special education 23
Other education-related careers 24
6. Resources and support for potential teachers with a disability 25
7. Funding for teacher training 27
8. Frequently asked questions 28
Appendix 1: OU contact information 31
Appendix 2: Careers information 33
Page 31. Introduction: Considering
teaching as a career
This nation guide is part of a series which includes teaching in
England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland and has been
produced by The Open University Careers and Employability Services
(CES) to help prospective and current students who are considering
teaching as a career. The contents are subject to change, so please
make sure that you check all information carefully and regularly
before making any final decisions.
Making the decision to train to be a teacher is just the start of your
journey. There are entry requirements to meet, different routes to
becoming qualified to consider as well as the process of applying for
initial teacher education (ITE). Once qualified there are then the
demands of finding your first role and this is all before overseeing a
group of students for the first time.
This guide outlines some of these issues but it is important that you
continue to seek advice throughout your studies.
What makes a good teacher?
There are far too many attributes to list in establishing what makes
an effective teacher and probably some subjectivity as well.
Enthusiasm for teaching although important is not enough. The
work of a teacher is complex, demanding and sometimes stressful.
Additionally, teachers will know the reality of the hours they work are
beyond those that are timetabled, and workload issues are well
publicised.
That said, there can be tremendous job satisfaction. However, you
might want to consider the following questions.
• Am I passionate about education and making a difference to
those I will teach?
• Can I demonstrate the consistent high standards of personal and
professional conduct required to uphold the trust of my students,
colleagues and profession?
• Am I reflective, resilient and open minded enough to adapt,
embrace change and develop my practice as education evolves
during my professional career?
Page 4Just remember that your age and background are not an issue. One
of the strengths of the profession is that it attracts applicants from all
walks of life who do a fantastic job. Mature entrants have life
experience that is welcomed and of great value to the teaching
profession.
You can learn what being a teacher is really like with the free OU
FutureLearn course – Becoming a Teacher. This course is for anyone
thinking about becoming a teacher – it will help you to decide if
teaching is for you, give you a sense of what teaching is really like
and help you to start writing your application for initial teacher
education.
Work experience will help you decide
Before you make your final decision to teach it is wise to gain some
experience of working in the age range and setting you wish to
teach. You’ll also develop valuable insight into the day-to-day duties
of a teacher as it is impossible to get a real flavour for the profession
from research alone. Attaining relevant work experience is desirable
prior to applying for the training routes into the profession so this is
something you will need to start thinking about early on. Above all
else getting classroom experience will help you decide if teaching is
the right career choice for you.
If you already have some classroom experience you may want to
consider other experiences that can add value.
You’ll find information about ways to build relevant experience in
Skills and experience.
What age range do you want to teach?
This is a really important question you’ll need to answer before you
apply for entry onto initial teacher education. In Scotland, the age
range of children in primary education is 3 - 12 years and the age
range of children in secondary education is 12-18 years. The
Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland is designed to provide a
flexible curriculum from 3 to 18 and is divided into two phases: the
broad general education and the senior phase. The broad general
education begins in early learning and childcare (at age 3) and
continues to the end of S3 (the third year of secondary school).
Page 5There are eight curriculum areas:
• Expressive arts
• Health and wellbeing
• Languages (including English, Gaelic and modern languages)
• Mathematics
• Religious and moral education
• Sciences
• Social studies
• Technologies
Teachers wishing to teach in the secondary sector must be qualified
in their chosen subject.
Availability of teaching posts & training
places
In Scotland, the Teacher Workforce Planning Group has the
responsibility to predict the number of teachers needed. The number
of primary school pupils on schools’ rolls in Scotland does continue to
fall and therefore there was a projected decrease in the
requirements for new student teachers in this area.
However, as pressures on the teaching workforce in the recovery
from the Covid 19 pandemic may require additional teachers in the
system, the Scottish Government have decided that the number of
student teacher places available for initial teacher education (ITE)
programmes will remain the same. The total number is estimated at
4070 for 2021/22. A breakdown of allocated places can be found on
the Scottish Funding Council website.
Page 6So, you want to become a teacher?
You will need to ask yourself some questions about your experience
and goals in relation to getting into teaching. Whatever your current
situation, you should thoroughly research the appropriate choice of
modules for your degree and check the entry requirements with
each initial teacher training (ITE) provider you are applying to.
Question 1: Do you have experience in the age range and setting
you want to teach and feel confident this is the right career for
you?
If not, read Skills and experience for ideas on how to gain experience.
Question 2: Do you meet the entry requirements for teaching?
If not, read Training to teach in Scotland for advice on your training
options. Also read Frequently asked questions.
Question 3: Do you know which training route you will take?
If not, read Training to teach in Scotland for advice on your training
options. Also read Frequently asked questions.
Question 4: Are you happy with your study pathway and module
choices?
If not, contact your Student Support Team if you are a current Open
University student.
Finally, do make sure you understand the timescales of when you will
need to apply for initial teacher training. If you need further support
visit Careers and Employability Services.
Page 72. Where to start
Many OU students enter teaching and, in general, an OU degree is
very appropriate preparation. However, the choice of what you study
can be critical in ensuring that you gain entry into initial teacher
training and ultimately get a job in the teaching profession. The
BA/BSc Open (Honours), tailored to your own requirements (also
known as the Open degree), might be a useful choice for teaching
but you must ensure that the modules within the degree are
appropriate for the age range and setting you wish to teach.
Alternatively, you may choose a named BA / BSc with a particular
focus, but if so, you need to make absolutely sure the modules
provide you with the necessary subject knowledge for your chosen
ITE course.
Many initial teacher education (ITE) providers will ask for at least 50%
of your degree to cover the subject knowledge they require. A
degree in the specialist subject area you wish to teach is particularly
appropriate for the secondary sector, further education and higher
education sector. For primary teaching there may be specific subject
knowledge requirements to meet the needs of Curriculum for
Excellence, please check with your ITE provider.
Please be aware that in assessing your suitability to teach, initial
teacher training providers may have differing views on your module
and degree choice. You are strongly advised to check this out with
each provider you may wish to apply to before embarking on your
degree (or as soon as possible if you are already studying). You also
need to ensure that you keep regularly up to date with changing
requirements in this area. You may need to do this each year that
you are studying with the OU to ensure that you are still on the right
track towards a teaching career.
OU students should be aware that, depending on when you take
your final module, your degree may not be awarded until December.
Most initial teacher training providers will expect you to officially
have your degree classification confirmed before you start teacher
training. Please check the entry requirements including expectations
on your degree content with any teacher training providers you are
considering or have applied to as requirements can change year on
year.
If you have an overseas qualification, an incomplete qualification
from another institution or a professional qualification and you are
Page 8not sure you meet the entry requirements for initial teacher training
you should check this with your chosen teacher training provider.
If you are a current student, after reading this guide you may want to
talk in more depth to one of the OU’s Career & Employability
Consultants about your application for initial teacher training. You
will find a range of materials and support on the Careers and
Employability Services. Information and advice on choosing
qualifications and modules at the OU can be accessed from the OU's
prospectus.
What are the entry requirements for a
career in teaching?
Here we will focus on the main academic and non-academic
requirements for teaching in early years, primary and secondary. You
will find requirements for requirements for further education and
higher education in Training to teach in Scotland.
Academic requirements
• For PGDE programmes, you’ll need to hold an undergraduate
degree awarded by a UK higher education provider, or a
recognised equivalent qualification.
• You’ll need to have achieved a standard equivalent to SCQF Level
6 or above in English (e.g. Higher Grade), and SCQF Level 5 in
mathematics (e.g. National 5, Intermediate 2 or Credit Level
Standard Grade).
• If you intend to apply for undergraduate degree programmes,
you must have achieved three other National Qualifications (in
addition to your Higher English qualification) at SCQF Level 6.
Non-academic requirements
You will also need to consider:
• Classroom experience in the age range and setting you wish to
teach. See Skills and experience for how to arrange this.
• If you’re training to be a teacher in Scotland, you are required to
be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
This helps training providers in Scotland to identify potential
trainee teachers who are barred from working with children,
young people, or vulnerable adults. For more information, go to
the Scottish Government website and enter ‘PVG scheme’ in the
search bar, or visit the GTCS In2Teaching website.
Page 9Options for OU students needing acceptable qualifications for
teaching in English and maths are the National Extension College
and Online Access Courses by the University of Aberdeen via
distance learning. A number of further education colleges and
community learning programmes deliver National 5 and higher-level
qualifications and may offer flexible modes of delivery.
If you have qualifications from outside the European Economic Area
(EEA), the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and
evaluation of international qualifications and skills (UK ENIC) can give
advice on whether qualifications are equivalent. They may also be
able to provide certification.
If you are in the position of having secured the necessary English and
maths grades you require but cannot find proof of your results you
will need to contact the SQA's Replacement Certificate Service. From
this service you can order:
Replacement Certificates
Course Syllabus (pre-1993)
Authentication of Qualifications for 3rd party companies.
The minimum entry requirements to programmes of Initial Teacher
Education (ITE) in Scotland are set by the General Teaching Council for
Scotland (GTCS), but university entry requirements may vary. Check
with initial teacher education providers before applying.
Page 103. Skills and experience
As well as the knowledge gained from OU study, students develop
many transferable skills and attributes that are highly valued by
employers. Being able to juggle OU study with work and family
commitments involves time management, self-reliance, problem-
solving, resilience and prioritising tasks effectively. You may want to
do a more in-depth analysis of your skills and achievements using
the resources on the Careers and Employability Services website or
with Your Career Planning Guide. This will help you identify and
evidence your strengths. Also, the Teach in Scotland website gives
you an insight into the skills and experience required.
Trainee teachers must also meet the Standard for Provisional
Registration (SPR) which covers what is expected of a student
teacher at the end of initial teacher education who is seeking
provisional registration with GTC Scotland. Having gained the SPR, all
provisionally registered teachers continue their professional learning
journey by moving towards the attainment of the Standard for Full
Registration. We recommend you review these standards which can
be found on the GTC Scotland website.
On completion of a PGDE programme you’ll have the option of The
Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS) which provides a guaranteed one-
year training post in a local authority to every eligible student
graduating with a teaching qualification from one of Scotland's
universities. If you're not eligible, do not wish to join the TIS, would
prefer part-time work, are teaching in an independent school, or
want to achieve full registration in a second subject the Flexible
Route is another way to gain the Standard for Full Registration. This
forms part of the probation process.
Getting work experience
Why do I need work experience?
Above all else getting classroom experience will help you decide if
teaching is the right career choice for you. You’ll develop valuable
insight into the day-to-day duties of a teaching role. It is impossible
to get a real flavour for the profession from research alone. Recent
work experience in the age range and subject you want to teach can
also be helpful for your application and any interview for initial
teacher training. You can often build your experience as you study.
Page 11What additional experience would be useful?
You aren’t just limited to work experience in a formal education
setting. You may wish to add to this with experience in different
settings with activities such as mentoring, summer camps, after
school clubs and scouts. The list really is endless in the ways
volunteering or paid work could enhance your suitability.
You could also try and get experience in more than one setting and
age range. For example, if you are interested in teaching primary you
could try and get experience in more than one school. You may also
want to consider other experiences such as private tutoring, sport
coaching, mentoring or volunteering that puts you in touch with
your target age range. Some students have even completed TEFL
training (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and taught both
in the UK and abroad. There are also exchange programme such as
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme and the British
Council scheme - Teach abroad as an English language assistant.
In summary, your planning on this is something you will need to start
thinking about early before you apply to teach as it can often take
time to sort out arrangements and find the time to commit to these
experiences. Do read through the Prospects guide for further ideas
on securing teaching experience.
How much work experience do I need?
You may have heard a minimum requirement of ten days experience
in schools however school experience is not an entry requirement for
initial teacher training (ITT). Although higher levels of school
experience do make for a stronger application it is by no means an
essential application prerequisite. Given the current climate, school
experience has been difficult to organise over the last 18 months, so
most providers are ‘sympathetic’ and take this into account.
How can I arrange getting school experience independently?
Organising your own school experience is often the most effective
route to getting work experience and can require some confidence
and perseverance on your part in getting it organised. The
Department for Education and Tes Institute Team guides are
excellent for their advice, common sense and step-by-step approach
to take in securing school experience. Please note if you're going to
be doing 'regulated work' the school will ask you to join the PVG
scheme.
Page 12Making the most of your experience
It’s useful to break down your thinking and activity into before,
during and after your work experience. Before any placement write
down what you want to learn from the experience and what
information you want to know. This might include researching the
school you are going to and understanding the role of a teacher and
support staff.
During your placement make a record of any creative and innovative
teaching styles you have observed and how lessons are tailored to
cater for students with different abilities and backgrounds.
After your experience decide if there are still gaps in your knowledge
and whether you need further experience. Write a reflective account
that can be used for a personal statement.
Getting paid experience
As well as volunteering many OU students are already working or
seeking roles in education whilst they study such as classroom
assistants and learning support roles. Some students may decide to
delay applying for initial teacher training and look to gain further
educational experience to develop their skills and confidence further.
Page 134. Training to teach in
Scotland
There are a number of ways to enter the teaching profession in
Scotland:
• A four-year undergraduate MA or BA Hons degree course with a
teaching qualification at a Scottish university.
• A one-year full-time Professional Graduate Diploma in Education
(PGDE) at an institution that offers the Teaching Qualification
(Secondary Education) or the Teaching Qualification (Primary
Education).
While many of these courses are full time and require attendance at
a university campus, there are several new teacher education
programmes designed to offer flexibility and encourage diversity in
the profession listed on the Teach In Scotland website.
Teaching in Scotland requires you to have a degree. Completion of
an initial teacher education programme will mean you will gain the
required Teaching Qualification (TQ). Education institutions will also
be looking for evidence that candidates have the necessary qualities
for, and commitment to, teaching as a career. Some courses are very
popular and may ask for additional qualifications.
The Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland is designed to provide a
flexible curriculum from 3 to 18, to include the totality of experiences
which are planned for children and young people through their
education. The Broad General Education (BGE) provides a rounded
education from approximately age 3 (early years) until age 13/14 (S3).
The BGE is divided into five curriculum levels (early, first, second,
third and fourth) across each of the eight curriculum areas.
The senior phase curriculum follows on from the BGE for
approximately ages 15 to 18 (S4-6). This is where pupils begin to sit
Scottish national qualifications which are set by the Scottish
Qualification Authority (SQA).
Registration with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) is
required in order to teach in any local authority nursery, primary,
secondary, special school or further education college. Those
qualified outside Scotland will also need to apply for registration.
There is a real shortage of qualified Gaelic-medium teachers in
Scotland. To address this there are full-time Gaelic-medium primary
Page 14PGDE programmes at The University of the Highlands and Islands
and the University of Strathclyde. The University of Strathclyde and
The University of the Highlands and Islands also offer secondary
PGDE courses for Gaelic as a subject as well as a PGDE course for
teaching other subjects through the medium of Gaelic.
Early Years & Childcare
Formal qualifications in Early Learning and Childcare vary dependent
on the role. To progress and qualify you can either:
• Complete a course (with work-based practice) and then apply for
a job.
• Apply for a job and train as you work.
• Apply for a Modern Apprenticeship and train as you work.
You might start in support roles and then develop into an Early
Learning and Childcare Practitioner position before eventually
becoming a Lead Practitioner or Manager. You can find out more at
the Early Learning and Childcare Careers website about how to
explore starting your career in this sector.
Many Scottish universities offer the BA Childhood Practice degree
with graduates eligible to register as a manager/lead practitioner
with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Page 15OU Students wishing to develop a career in early years may want to
consider the postgraduate M. Ed Early years qualification offered by
the University of Strathclyde and the University of Aberdeen.
Although please note that these programmes are designed for fully
qualified teachers currently practising in nursery or P1-3 settings.
Before you start working in Early Learning and Childcare you will
need to join the PVG Scheme through Disclosure Scotland.
Primary teaching
It is important to recognise that the following are minimum entry
requirements for post-degree teacher training. For entry into PGDE
(primary), initial teacher education institutions do not require a
specific degree subject However, they need to ensure you
understand primary education in Scotland and make sure that an
applicant’s educational background (including the content of their
undergraduate degree) provides a good basis for becoming a
primary teacher. They may therefore look for evidence that the
applicant has studied at least two of the following areas (as well as
English and Mathematics) – science, social studies, expressive arts,
religious and moral education, technology and modern foreign
languages.
You do need to have a National 5 mathematics or equivalent (SCQF
level 5) as well as a pass in Higher English at grade C or above or
equivalent (SCQF level 6). There is also the requirement of an
additional 3 SCQF level 6 qualifications. Information on equivalent
qualifications is available on the Teach in Scotland website. Other
relevant qualifications may be accepted in place of the these but
always check with the ITE provider first.
In addressing the Scottish Government Languages Working Group
report Language Learning in Scotland A 1+2 Approach (2012) and the
STEM Education and Training Strategy, GTC Scotland in their revised
memorandum on Entry Requirements for Initial Teacher Education
programmes in Scotland encourage universities to expect at least
one SQCF level 5 qualification in either a modern language and/or a
science subject.
When initial teacher education institutions in Scotland are
considering applications, they will want to make sure that the
candidate’s educational background provides the necessary
foundation for working as a primary teacher. One way of planning
your degree might be to work towards at least 360 credits balanced
Page 16across the range of the primary curriculum. However, there are
several dangers in doing so:
• You will end up with a broad-based OU degree, which may be
relevant to primary teaching, but could close off other career
options. This is fine if you are absolutely sure that this is your
chosen career – otherwise it might be wise not to close all other
options, including entry into secondary teaching.
• Spreading yourself thinly over a range of subjects may make it
difficult for you to achieve your best performance. A good degree
classification may not be the most important criterion, but
competition among graduates can be intense, especially at
institutions with strong reputations in a specific area, which will
be particularly important if the choice of location is limited.
If you are in any doubt, you should seek advice from the institution
you are applying to for initial teacher education. Your student
support team is also available to help you should you wish to discuss
your programme of study.
Secondary teaching
Secondary teaching in Scotland requires you to have a degree.
Scottish initial teacher education programmes are only available
through nine universities and the conservatoire. All will also be
looking for evidence that candidates have the necessary qualities for,
and commitment to, teaching as a career. It is important to
recognise that the following are minimum entry requirements for
post-degree teacher training. Some courses are very popular and
may ask for additional qualifications.
For entry to PGDE (Secondary), you should hold a relevant degree,
and this should normally contain 80 credits relevant to the teaching
qualifications being studied, of which 50 credits must be as part of an
undergraduate degree. There may be additional requirements for
certain subjects. Up-to-date information on these can be obtained
from the Teach in Scotland website and the revised memorandum
on Entry Requirements for Initial Teacher Education programmes in
Scotland. Students are always advised to confirm choices with the
initial teacher education institution they are intending to apply to. It
is advisable to aim for an honour’s degree, as most other applicants
will be competing with this level of qualification. Applicants for
secondary teaching must have achieved a standard equivalent to
SCQF Level 6 or above in English (e.g. Higher Grade), and SCQF Level
Page 175 in mathematics (e.g. National 5). Information on equivalent
qualifications is available on the Teach in Scotland website. Other
relevant qualifications may be accepted in place of the these but
always check with the initial teacher education institution first.
Graduates will only be allowed to top up their degree with a
maximum of 30 credits to meet the 80-credit requirement and
these must be obtained before entering a PGDE course.
OU students should be aware that, depending on when you take
your final module, your degree may not be awarded until December.
Initial teacher education providers will expect you to officially have
your degree before you start on their course. Please check the rules
of entry with any providers you are considering, well in advance of
applying as rules can change every year. Your degree must include
the minimum requirements relevant to at least one of the subjects
specified on the Teach in Scotland website.
Studying for the PGDE, it is possible to gain teaching qualifications in
more than one subject and it can be attractive to ITE institutions and
employers if you can teach more than one secondary subject.
However, not all subjects are available in each academic year and
some are only available at certain universities. Some subjects may be
available only with other subjects. The credit point minimum for each
subject may still apply, so you need to bear this in mind if you plan to
teach more than one subject and select your undergraduate degree
modules accordingly.
Applying for primary & secondary initial teacher training
Although the PGDE is a graduate entry course you are required to
submit your application via the UCAS applicant system. You can find
the appropriate UCAS code in the 'key facts' section of the PGDE
course pages. Both undergraduate and postgraduate Scottish
teacher training programmes are listed in UCAS Undergraduate
Apply. Please note, you can only apply once in a cycle, with up to five
choices.
You will also be able to track your application and respond to offers.
Primary and secondary higher education institutions offering initial
teacher education can be found on the Teach in Scotland website.
Information on initial teacher education programmes is released
ahead of time usually by the start of each academic year. You can
now search for courses starting in 2022 in the UCAS search tool.
Page 18You can also register and start your UCAS application in the UCAS
Apply 2022 system, but you won’t be able to send it to providers until
early September 2021.
You should apply as soon as possible to give yourself the best
chance of getting the teacher training place you want. For many OU
students they will be applying for initial teacher education whilst
they study their final module. Your degree result will need to be
confirmed prior to commencing teacher training. The majority of
OU students will have their classification confirmed by late July
although for a minority of students, depending on when you take
your final module, your degree may not be awarded until December.
The UCAS Teacher Training website has a range of guides and video
resources to take you through the application process step by step.
Further education teaching
Teachers in further education (FE) work mainly with post-16 and/or
adult learners. However, The Developing the Young Workforce (DYW)
programme means colleges are now offering more vocational
courses to school pupils from S4-S6. According to Colleges Scotland
there are 26 colleges in Scotland serving 239,004 students in 2019/20.
You can keep up to speed about Further Education and the sector
on the Colleges Scotland main website.
They teach at all levels including basic skills, academic teaching and
vocational training. To teach vocational courses you’ll be expected to
be experienced and qualified in your professional field. For academic
subjects you will have at least a degree or relevant subject in the
qualification you will teach.
The Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) is the core
teaching qualification available to college lecturers in order to be
considered for registration. Currently, the TQFE is delivered by three
Teacher Education Institutes (TEIs): University of Aberdeen, University
of Dundee and University of Stirling. As these are in-service
qualifications, TQFE participants are normally employed as lecturers,
trainers or instructors when they join the programme. However
University of Stirling also offer a Pre Service Route for those aspiring
to become College Lecturers.
Another qualification accepted in the FE sector is the Professional
Development Award (PDA) Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges.
Again, this is normally taken as part of an in-service route.
Page 19Vacancies in the FE sector are usually advertised on the
www.myjobscotland.gov.uk website. You may find it useful to use the
person specification for advertised vacancies to establish the
expectations of employers in terms of knowledge, skills, experience
and qualifications.
Higher education lecturing & research
To become a university lecturer, you will normally need to study for
masters or PhD qualifications in the area you want to teach.
Lecturers for more specialised or vocational subjects can often enter
with experience of that field, and a teaching qualification, rather than
a PhD.
Some research students undertake part-time teaching
responsibilities while still registered as students, which is a valuable
way to build up teaching experience. In the early stages of a career, it
may be very difficult to gain a permanent contract as an HE lecturer
and many are on sessional and fixed-term contracts.
There are a range of websites to help you understand the
competitive academic job market. We recommend you visit the
Vitae, Jobs.ac.uk and Prospects websites.
OU Associate Lecturer
Students on OU modules organise their own study time, which can
be a difficult skill to master. As an Associate Lecturer you become the
‘face’ of the OU for a group of students whose learning you support.
They make a vital contribution to the quality of teaching and
learning and support students by:
• Teaching and assessment (online and for some modules by post).
• Individual contact by email, phone or post.
• Group tutorials and day schools (face-to-face or online).
To become an Associate Lecturer with the OU you will need to have a
degree or a professional or vocational qualification in the subject
area you wish to teach. Your academic specialism or professional
experience must be complemented by a personal commitment to
the education of adults, and an appreciation of the challenges for
adult learners who are studying at a distance. It is essential that
Associate Lecturers understand and accept the diversity of OU
students and their learning needs. In addition, many Associate
Lecturers teach full or part-time at other education institutions.
Page 20Not all OU modules ask for previous teaching experience, so it is
important that you read the person specification to find out if it is a
requirement for the module(s) you apply to tutor. For more
information see Teaching with the OU.
You can register to be notified of any future vacancies by email.
Simply complete the expressions of interest request form. Please
note, however, that the expression of interest service does not form
part of our formal recruitment process and that it is your
responsibility to identify suitable vacancies.
You can also apply for other externally advertised OU Jobs including
residential school teaching posts.
Page 215. Specialisms in teaching and
other education-related
careers
This section contains information on other areas of teaching such as
alternative settings and broader roles in the education sector that
you might want to consider. You should ensure that you carefully
research how you can train for these and what the implications
might be for planning your OU study.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) involves teaching
English, either in the UK or overseas, to students whose first or main
language is not English. TEFL teachers work in commercial language
schools, primary and secondary schools, in FE and in the community.
There are also opportunities in development organisations,
government departments, volunteer organisations, multinational
companies and The British Council. Some may also teach in industry
while others are self-employed. Students may be of all ages and
levels, and in various class sizes, depending on where you teach.
Classes are usually taught in English, even with beginners.
TEFL is increasingly a graduate role and it is now more difficult for
those with no formal qualifications to obtain posts, and almost
impossible in the UK. If you have a good basic education and an
excellent command of English, it is still sometimes possible to find
work in the private sector abroad with no training or experience, but
a degree is often required.
Many language schools in the UK and abroad offer training courses
ranging from short introductions lasting a couple of days to intensive
certificate courses lasting four to six weeks.
Deciding which course to take depends on whether you want a
dedicated career in TEFL or if you want to use your qualification to
gain experience and see the world. The two most commonly
accepted courses are:
• Trinity College London CertTESOL (Teaching English to Speakers
of Other Languages)
Page 22• Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to
Adults).
There are lots of courses out there so make sure you’re getting
something that meets the international standards of 100 course
hours and 6 hours of live practice teaching. Be very wary of online
only courses that do not offer this. It is worth noting that CertTESOL
and CELTA are the only two TEFL qualifications that are listed by the
British Council as an acceptable introductory teaching qualification
that meets their standards and requirements.
Special education
The law that relates to additional support for learning is the
Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 as
amended. The Scottish Government pupil census in 2016 recorded
that 93% of pupils with additional support needs spend all their time
in mainstream classes.
Additional Support Needs (ASN) Teacher
To become an Additional Support Needs (ASN) Teacher you must
hold a teaching qualification (TQ). Many ASN teachers move into this
area once they have been teaching for a few years and have gained
experience. Registration is available in Additional Support Needs
(ASN) from the GTCS. This registration covers the 3-18 years age
range. This registration will be available to teachers who are eligible
for provisional registration with GTC Scotland in a mainstream
registration category and who hold an appropriate ASN award.
Page 23Other education-related careers
The focus of this guide has been on mainstream teaching roles
across a variety of age ranges although we recognise the education
sector is diverse. It is for this reason you may want to explore
teaching in alternative settings to mainstream education or even
explore broader roles in the education sector. Community,
environmental, health and heritage education are just a sample of
the settings you could explore.
Many OU students also decide to develop their experience in the
classroom through support roles such as Teaching Assistants before
committing to initial teacher training. The Education Alternatives
publication by AGCAS is also a recommended read to understand
and explore your options further as well as our webinar on
Educational Alternatives to Teaching.
Page 246. Resources and support for
potential teachers with a
disability
It is regrettable that individuals with disabilities are under-
represented in the teaching profession, but this should not stop you
from considering teaching. Many disabled students and graduates
are able to work without the need for specific adjustments or
support but for some students, additional support can help to enable
access to work.
Your individual circumstances
We recommend that you read the appropriate guidance document
available below and make informal enquiries as part of an
information gathering exercise to find out how the disability
guidance relates to you.
In Scotland, The Equality Act 2010 and Special Educational Needs
and Disability Act 2001, require teacher training providers to ensure
they are not discriminating against applicants with disabilities or
additional support needs (ASN). Applicants with disabilities are under
no obligation to disclose these. The decision to disclose is a personal
one so to help you please refer to our downloadable guide:
• Your Career Planning Guide (Section 5: Equality & Diversity Issues)
You will also find some helpful information on the OU’s Disability
support site and two recorded webinars:
• The Access to Work programme
• Demonstrating your Potential: Adjustments and Openness
Initial teacher education providers do have a responsibility to ensure
that individuals have the health and physical capacity to teach and
will not put children and young people at risk of harm. This means all
successful applicants are likely to be asked to complete a fitness
questionnaire prior to commencing teacher training.
Page 25Additional resources
• Supporting Dyslexic Trainees and Teachers
This guide from the University of Southampton explores
strategies for dyslexic teachers and useful resources.
• Disabled Teachers Network
A US-based organisation but welcome educators with disabilities
from any country. Resources include discussion forums and an E-
newsletter.
• TeachersTalk
Is a free teaching resource for UK Teachers. You can join their
free Teachers Forum to get support and questions. Useful
discussion threads include training to teach with a disability.
• The National Education Union
Represent and support disabled teachers and holds an annual
disabled teachers conference.
• Get into Teaching
Further advice and support if you are training to teach and have a
disability.
Page 267. Funding for teacher
training
Tuition fees for eligible students from Scotland are paid by the
Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Funding for the PGDE is
treated in the same way as full-time undergraduate programmes. If
you’re eligible, SAAS will pay your tuition fees straight to your PGDE
university. The SAAS Undergraduate funding page has further
information on eligibility and repayment.
In addition, bursaries of £20,000 per student will be available to
career changers wishing to undertake a one year Postgraduate
Diploma in Education (PGDE) Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course
in Scotland that leads to the award of registered teacher status in the
hardest to fill STEM subjects (2021 entry: Maths, Computing Science,
Technical Education, Physics, Chemistry and Home Economics.) For
further information on the 2021/22 STEM Teacher Education Bursary
applications please check the Teach in Scotland website.
From April, you can apply for your tuition fees, loan, bursary and
grants. You should apply as soon as you know the course you want to
do.
Also remember that most Scottish universities have their own
bursaries and scholarships. Access to these will depend on your own
academic and financial circumstances. We recommend you visit
your chosen university website for more details and advice on how
and when to apply.
Page 278. Frequently asked questions
This section provides basic advice on some of the frequently asked
questions relating to teaching from OU students. However, we
recognise each student’s circumstances are different which is why
there are times our general advice may be inaccurate and not apply
so always make sure you complete your own research.
Can I still teach with an Open degree?
There are many teachers with an Open degree, but it is important
you have a good knowledge of the subject you will be teaching
which also depends on the setting and age range. This means there
will be different expectations between early years, primary,
secondary, FE and HE. Contact your preferred initial teacher training
providers for specific advice.
How much of my degree needs to relate to the Curriculum for
Excellence?
This will depend on if you are teaching primary or secondary and you
will need to consider the views of the providers you are applying to.
For primary teaching you should show a good understanding of the
broad general education subjects from early years through to the
end of S3. For secondary education the Memorandum on Entry
Requirements to Programmes of Initial Teacher Education in
Scotland states you must have 80 SCQF credit points (40 of which
must be at SCQF Level 8) relevant to your chosen subject and that
you meet any other requirements that subject might have. But
please read through the specific requirements from GTC Scotland as
well as confirming entry requirements with your chosen ITE provider.
Is it possible to get on a teacher training course without the
required National Qualification Awards in English and
Mathematics?
A National Qualification Course award in English at SCQF Level 6
(Higher Grade English or an accepted alternative) and a National
Qualification Course award in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5 (National
5 Mathematics or an accepted alternative), are essential
requirements for entry to all teacher education programmes.
Options for OU students needing acceptable qualifications for
teaching in English and maths are the National Extension College ,
Online Access Courses by the University of Aberdeen via distance
learning. A number of Further Education colleges and community
learning programmes deliver National 5 and higher-level
Page 28qualifications and may offer flexible modes of delivery. The
minimum entry requirements to programmes of initial teacher
education (ITE) in Scotland are set by the General Teaching Council
for Scotland (GTCS), but university entry requirements may vary on
accepted alternatives. We strongly recommend checking with the
ITE provider before applying.
Can I teach with a third class or ordinary degree?
Most initial teacher training providers will not consider applicants
without at least a 2:2, so you are highly unlikely to be accepted if you
have an ordinary degree (without honours) or a third-class honours
degree. In exceptional cases there may be providers who are more
open and will look at what skills and school experience an applicant
brings or if they are undertaking postgraduate study. In this scenario
researching and contacting them before applying is essential.
Are UK teaching qualifications valid abroad?
They may well have equivalence and currency, but this answer is
completely dependent on the country, institution, curriculum and
regulations. For these reasons we recommend that you
independently research the requirements for the country you are
interested in moving to and that you contact schools in the region.
The TES Institute has also written a useful article on this subject:
Which qualification do I need to teach abroad?
Can I still teach with a criminal conviction?
There isn’t a definitive yes or no answer to this as it depends what the
conviction is. Teaching is exempt from the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974 and as a potential trainee teacher gaining a place
on an ITE course will mean you need to register on the PVG Scheme,
managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. This means you
must disclose any convictions. Your first step is to get advice based
on your individual circumstances. We recommend contacting the
national charity NACRO for further advice or alternatively APEX
Scotland
Is it possible to teach in primary schools if you have trained in
secondary (and vice versa?)
It is possible to be primary or secondary GTC Scotland registered
teacher and add additional subjects/ sectors to a current registration.
So primary teachers can apply to add registration as a secondary
teacher and vice versa. However, you would still need to meet the
academic and/ or professional learning requirements for which the
Page 29additional professional registration is sought. Further details can be
found on the GTC Scotland website.
Page 30Appendix 1: OU contact
information
For advice about choosing OU qualifications and modules visit The
Open University website or call Student Recruitment.
Student Recruitment
The Open University PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ
Phone: +44 (0) 300 303 5303
Email via www.open.ac.uk/contact
Scotland
The Open University
10 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh
EH3 7QJ
Reception: +44 (0) 131 226 3851.
For Welsh speakers
If you would prefer to discuss your study needs in Welsh, please
contact The Open University in Wales in Cardiff, where we will be
pleased to offer personal guidance as well as information about the
services available. You may contact us by letter, phone or email, or
you are welcome to visit us. We recommend that you make an
appointment first to make sure an appropriate adviser will be
available.
Although we are able to offer a range of services for Welsh speakers,
our study materials and teaching are normally in English.
Phone: +44 (0) 29 2047 1170
Email: wales@open.ac.uk
Page 31I siaradwyr Cymraeg
Os yw hi’n well gennych drafod eich anghenion astudio yn Gymraeg
mae croeso i chi gysylltu â’r Brifysgol Agored yng Nghymru yng
Nghaerdydd lle byddwn
yn falch o roi cyfarwyddyd personol i chi yn ogystal â gwybodaeth am
y gwasanaethau sydd ar gael. Gallwch gysylltu â ni drwy lythyr,
galwad ffôn neu neges ebost, neu, os yw hi’n well gennych, mae
croeso i chi ymweld â ni. Byddem yn argymell i chi wneud apwyntiad
gyntaf i sicrhau y bydd arbenigwr priodol ar gael.
Nodwch, os gwelwch yn dda, er ein bod yn gallu cynnig ystod o
wasanaethau i siaradwyr Cymraeg, bod ein deunyddiau cwrs ac
addysgu fel arfer yn Saesneg.
Rhif ffon: + 44 (0) 29 2047 1170
Ebost: wales@open.ac.uk
Republic of Ireland
Enquiry and Advice Centre in Dublin
Tel: +353 (1) 678 5399 or
The Open University in Ireland
Tel: +44 (0)28 9032 3722.
Email: ireland@open.ac.uk
Page 32Appendix 2: Careers
information
The Open University
For careers information and advice visit the OU’s Careers and
Employability Services This website also contains a number of case
studies of current and former OU students who have gone into
teaching. OU students can also access forums and webinars related
to teaching and education. You will need your OU login details to
view these.
For details of OU qualifications and modules, visit the Open
University prospectus.
Prospects
Job sectors on Prospects provide comprehensive guides to different
career areas including teaching and education.
Job profiles on Prospects enable you to search for careers such as
early years teacher, primary/secondary school teacher, further/higher
education lecturer, English as a Foreign Language teacher or special
educational needs teacher.
TARGETpostgrad
TARGETpostgrad provides detailed information and advice on routes
to becoming a teacher, choosing and applying for a teacher training
course and funding.
Teach in Scotland
You can register with Teach in Scotland to get a free guide to
choosing a career in teaching.
UCAS Teacher Training
UCAS offers information and advice on routes into teaching as well
as support around the application process.
Page 33General Teaching Council Scotland
GTC Scotland is the independent self-regulating body for teaching in
Scotland.
Tel: +44 (0) 131 314 6000
Email gtcs@gtcs.org.uk
In2Teaching
In2Teaching provide support and guidance for students,
probationers and early phase teachers.
Page 34You can also read
